Information processing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

Conventionally, in the process for inspecting a molded product, a measurement point indicating a portion to be measured is defined by using attribution information, such as a tolerance difference, and a measurement program is created, or a manual measurement instrument is employed to conduct the measurement. According to the invention, provided is an information processing apparatus supporting general measurement operations, including those for manual measurements, by using attribution information, such as a dimension and a dimensional tolerance, that is added to a CAD model generated by a CAD apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus anda method therefor, and in particular to an information processingapparatus and a method therefor employing a 3D model (computer aidedgeometry model in 3D) generated by using 3D-CAD.

2. Related Background Art

Conventionally, a CAD apparatus (especially, a 3D-CAD apparatus) isemployed to design objects (hereinafter simply referred to as parts)having a three-dimensional shape, such as parts for goods or products.Further, based on this design, metal molds for manufacturing parts aregenerated.

Before using the design information prepared by the CAD apparatus,attribution information, such as dimensions, dimensional tolerances,geometric tolerances, annotations and symbols, are entered for a 3Dmodel (computer aided geometry model in 3D).

In order to enter this attribution-information for the 3D model,.planes,ridge lines, center lines and vertexes of the 3D model are selected. Forexample, attribution information shown in FIG. 29 is entered for a 3Dmodel shown in FIG. 27 (the front view, the plan view and the side viewof this 3D. model are shown in FIG. 28). The attribution informationincludes:

-   -   (A) distances (lengths, widths and thicknesses), angles, hole        diameters, radii, chamfering dimensions, and dimensional        tolerances accompanied by dimensions;    -   (B) geometric tolerances and dimensional tolerances to be added        to planes and ridge lines, without dimensions being entered;    -   (C) annotations to be transmitted or instructed for machining or        manufacturing parts, units and products, and symbols that are        determined in advance as a premise for representing, for        example, surface roughness.

For adding attribution information to a 3D model, roughly two methods,as follow, are employed.

(1) Method for adding dimensions, dimensional tolerances, geometrictolerances, annotations and symbols

-   -   Dimension lines and projection lines are required for the entry        of dimensions and dimensional tolerances.    -   Leader lines are required for the entry of geometric tolerances,        annotations and symbols.

(2) Method for adding dimensional tolerances, geometric tolerances,annotations and symbols without dimensions being provided.

-   -   Dimension lines and projection lines are not required.    -   Leader lines are required for the entry of dimensional        tolerances, geometric tolerances, annotations and symbols.

For a downstream process, such as a metal mold manufacturing process,attribution information is confirmed by referring to a CAD model or a 2Ddrawing (drawing in 2 dimention), and molding products and metal moldparts are inspected.

For the metal mold manufacturing process, the inspection of moldingproducts is performed after the metal mold design, the NC programming,the metal mold manufacture and the molding steps have been completed.

For the inspection of a molding project, a manual measuring instrumentor an automatic measuring instrument, such as a CMM, a microscope or amicrometer, is employed based on such design information as thedesignated dimensional tolerances for a drawing or a model.

A three-dimensional measuring instrument measures (for each plan) amolded product in each of several directions, such as the obverse, thereverse and the right and left of the product. When a 2D drawing isemployed, a double measurement is performed by adding marks to themeasured dimension, or carefully without missing a measurement.

When a molded product is inspected in the conventional manner, thefollowing problems have arisen.

(1) The measurements must be conducted while taking into account whichmeasurement instrument should be employed for each dimension, and thesame dimension must be referred to many times to determine whether ithas already been measured, or whether it should be measured by employingthe measurement instrument being used at the pertinent step. Thus, anextended period of time is required to complete the measurements.

(2) The measurements must be conducted in order by using eachmeasurement instrument or each plan for a measurement instrument. Forexample, measurement steps are conducted in the following order:dimension measurements are performed using a CMM (three-dimensionalmeasurement instrument), then, a microscope is used, when there aremeasurements that not obtained using a CMM, and if all such measurementsare not obtained using a microscope, a micrometer is used. The totalmeasurement time, therefore, is extended.

(3) Design information for several tens, or hundreds or more dimensionsare provided as attribution information for a drawing or a model. Forthe measurement of dimensions, required information must be extracted toidentify the portion that is to be measured, and for a complicatedmodel, target dimensions must be searched for while the measurements arebeing made. Therefore, an extended period of time is required.

(4) Since marks representing measurements that have been obtained areadded to a drawing while the measurement process is in progress,omissions, clerical errors and oversights tend to occur. And frequently,at the end of the measurement process, an examination reveals portionsthat were missed or for which measurements were not obtained, andmeasurements made for the dimensions of these portions must be repeatedusing the individual measurement instruments. Therefore, time forbacktracking is required.

(5) The measurement values and the portions measured using measurementinstruments are transferred to paper and are compared with thedimensions. Therefore, time is required to perform this comparison ofthe measurement results.

Furthermore, identifiers are added so that sizes can be compared withmeasurement results. Therefore, measurement values are generallyrecorded with the identifiers, so that measurement results can becompared with dimensions to which identifiers on a drawing are attached.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-282388 a dimensioninspection apparatus adds an identifier to a CAD drawing and prints ameasurement examination sheet, or outputs data to a measurementinstrument.

According to this method, the system automatically adds identifiers anddisplays data in order to reduce the labor effort required and toeliminate errors. The contents of the identifiers to be added need notbe designated in advance.

In addition, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-082575 amethod and an apparatus for generating and displaying an evaluationtable automates the collection of measurement results, so as to improvethe efficiency of the measurement process.

Further, described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.08-190575 are “an apparatus and a method for teaching an inspection”,and described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-235594are “a CAD system and a method for inspecting a measured dimensionvalue”, while the measurement instrument is limited to a CMM and anidentifier for a dimension is added to CMM path data, so that a measuredvalue is output with the identifier to the output file of thethree-dimensional measurement instrument and the measurement results canbe read by the CAD system and compared with the dimensions. Furthermore,a CAD system available on the market also handles a method for adding anidentifier to a dimension and outputting CMM path data, and for readingthe measurement results and comparing them with the dimensions.

When the measurement results are to be compared with the dimensions,however, conventionally, the following problems and requests havearisen.

(6) The conventional technique limits the measurement instrument that isused to an automated measurement instrument, such as a CMM, and does notsupport the use for a measurement operation of a manual measurementinstrument, such as a micrometer.

(7) Even an automated measurement instrument, such as a CMM, may noteasily prepare a measurement program on a CAD screen (off-lineteaching), and the conventional technique does not support thegeneration (on-line teaching) of a measurement program using a CMM.

(8) The capability of an operation using a manual measurement instrumentand the off-line teaching using an automated measurement instrument isnot taken into account for the conventional automatic identifieraddition system. Thus, an improved function for transmitting informationto an operator (a function for the visibility of an identifier, etc.) isrequired.

(9) In the inspection process, a large number of steps are required formanual on-line teaching and for manual measurement. Therefore, for bothaspects of the cost and the delivery deadline, a demand exists for theimprovement of the operating efficiency and for a reduction in thenumber of steps.

(10) Measurements must be conducted while taking into account whichmeasurement instrument should be employed for each dimension, and thesame dimension must be referred to many times so as to determine whetherit has been already measured, or whether it should be measured byemploying the measurement instrument used for the pertinent step. Thus,an extended period of time is required for measurements.

(11) Measurements must be conducted in order by using each measurementinstrument or in accordance with a plan that provides for the use ofeach measurement instrument. For example, measurement steps areperformed in the following order: dimension measurements are normallyperformed using a CMM (three-dimensional measurement instrument), then,a microscope is used when there are measurements that are not obtainedusing a CMM, and if all such measurements are not obtained using amicroscope, a micrometer is used. The total measurement time, therefore,is extended.

(12) Conventionally, a 2D drawing is employed to transmitdesign/manufacturing information, and a great number of steps isrequired for the generation of the 2D drawing. To eliminate thisproblem, it is anticipated that when a “paper drawing-less” (hereinafterreferred to as drawing-less) process is implemented whereby designinformation is transmitted by adding design/manufacturing information,such as dimension tolerances, to a 3D model, the number of stepsrequired for the transmission of data can be considerably reduced.

(13) A method for performing measurements while referring to thedimensional tolerances added to a 2D drawing is set up for theinspection step, and a system for efficiently measuring dimensions whilereferring to attribution information added to a 3D model is required toimplement the “drawing-less” process and to reduce the number of datatransmission steps and the cost.

(14) Design information for several tens or hundreds or more dimensionsare provided as attribution information for a drawing or a model. Then,for the measurement of the dimensions, required information must beextracted to identify portions to be measured, and for a complicatedmodel, target dimensions must be searched for while the processing forthe measurements is conducted. An extended period of time is thereforerequired.

(15) Since marks representing the measurements that have been completedare added to a drawing while the measurement process is being performed,omissions, clerical errors and oversights tend to occur. And frequently,after the measurement process has been completed, a drawing is examinedand a portion is found that was missed and for which measurements werenot obtained, and for this portion the dimensions must again be measuredusing individual measurement instruments. Time is therefore required tocounter this setback.

At an inspection step, measurement points representing a portion to bemeasured are determined for the addition of attribution information,such as dimensional tolerances, and a measurement program is generatedthat provides for the use of a manual measurement instrument for themeasurements.

Using a pen, marks are added to portions on a drawing printed on paperas measurement points that correspond to locations that are to bemeasured, or measurement points are added to a CAD model using a CADapparatus. Further, a measurement program is prepared by referring tothe information for the measurement points added to the CAD model.

Then, at the NC programming step, offset values equivalent to cutmargins are added as attribution information to the CAD model and an NCprogram is prepared.

When the CAD model is later changed by altering its design, generally itis exchanged for another model during the downstream process, andadditional information, such as measurement points currently carried bythe CAD model or offset values equivalent to the cut margin, is added tothe CAD model after the change.

Usually, when a plurality of operators handle the same data, thefollowing three methods are employed.

A. Exclusive Control

A change right is designated for data, and only an operator having thisright may change that data. When another operator is to correct data forwhich a change right exists, the current holder of the change right mustterminate any alteration operation, stabilize the data being processed,and release the right change to the other. Then, the other operator, towhom the change right has been transferred, may operate on the storeddata. The change right is owned by only one person at a time.

B. Synchronization Across a Network

When a computer transmits alteration information as operating changeprocedures to other computers to which it is connected via a network,the altered content is reflected in the data originally held by thereceiving computers.

C. Manual Re-Input

A portion containing changes is evaluated and manually employed so it isreflected in the CAD model for which the added information is provided,or the added information is used for the re-entry of data in the modelbeing updated.

When data has been shared in the above described manner, the followingproblems and demands have arisen.

(16) For exclusive control, it is difficult for parallel operations tobe simultaneously performed, even though consistency of data by usingcommon data can be maintained.

(17) Synchronization across a network must be controlled by the operatorof a terminal connected to the network, and temporarily proceeding withan independent operation is difficult.

(18) Although additional information can be re-entered manually andindependently, the labor for re-entry and entry of omissions may berequired.

(19) When data is altered, it is also difficult to identify the portionthat has been altered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to resolve at least one of the problems, it is one objective ofthe present invention to add, to data generated by a CAD apparatus,attributions for improving operability. It is another objective of thepresent invention to efficiently perform an inspection using datagenerated by a CAD apparatus.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide aninformation processing apparatus comprising:

-   -   attribution input means for entering attribution information for        a 3D model;    -   attribution categorization means for sorting the attribution        information into a plurality of groups;    -   attribution display means for displaying attribution information        for each of the groups.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing method comprising:

-   -   an attribution input step of entering attribution information        for a 3D model;    -   an attribution categorization step of sorting the attribution        information into a plurality of groups;    -   an attribution display step of displaying attribution        information for each of the groups.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computerexecutable program product comprising:

-   -   code for entering attribution information for a 3D model;    -   code for sorting the attribution information into a plurality of        groups;    -   code for displaying attribution information for each of the        groups.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing apparatus comprising:

-   -   visual line setting means for defining an arbitrary visual        direction and a visual line for a 3D model;    -   attribution entering means for categorizing, into groups,        attribution information corresponding to the arbitrary visual        direction set by the visual line setting means, and for adding        the categorized attribution information to the groups;    -   storage means for storing the visual direction in correlation        with the categorized attribution information groups;    -   designation means for designating the visual direction; and    -   display means for displaying an attribution information group        that corresponds to the visual direction designated by the        designation means.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing method, comprising:

-   -   a visual line setting step of defining an arbitrary visual        direction and a visual line for a 3D model;    -   an attribution entering step of categorizing, into groups,        attribution information corresponding to the arbitrary visual        direction set at the visual line setting step, and of adding the        categorized attribution information to the groups;    -   a storage step of storing the visual direction in correlation        with the categorized attribution information groups;    -   a designation step of designating the visual direction; and    -   a display step of displaying an attribution information group        that corresponds to the visual direction designated at the        designation step.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computerexecutable program comprising:

-   -   code for defining an arbitrary visual direction and a visual        line for a 3D model;    -   code for categorizing, into groups, attribution information        corresponding to the arbitrary visual direction set at the        visual line setting step, and for adding the categorized        attribution information to the groups;    -   code for storing the visual direction in correlation with the        categorized attribution information groups;    -   code for designating the visual direction; and    -   code for displaying an attribution information group that        corresponds to the visual direction designated at the        designation step.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing apparatus comprising:

-   -   identifier addition means for adding an identifier to        attribution information, including a CAD model dimension;    -   operation teaching means for teaching operation results, such as        measurement results;    -   operation results reading means for, based on the identifier,        reading the operation results and the attribution information in        correlation with each other; and    -   operation results display means for displaying the operation        results in correlation with the CAD model.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing method comprising:

-   -   an identifier addition step of adding an identifier to        attribution information, including a CAD model dimension;    -   an operation teaching step of teaching operation results, such        as measurement results;    -   an operation results reading step of, based on the identifier,        reading the operation results and the attribution information in        correlation with each other; and    -   an operation results display step of displaying the operation        results in correlation with the CAD model.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computerexecutable program comprising:

-   -   code for adding an identifier to attribution information,        including a CAD model dimension;    -   code for teaching operation results, such as measurement        results;    -   code for, based on the identifier, reading the operation results        and the attribution information in correlation with each other;        and    -   code for displaying the operation results in correlation with        the CAD model.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing apparatus comprising:

-   -   attribution information comparison means for comparing old        attribution information with new attribution information; and    -   additional information transfer means for, when the old and the        new attribution information correspond, transferring additional        information provided for the old attribution information to the        new attribution information.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing method comprising:

-   -   an attribution information comparison step of comparing old        attribution information with new attribution information; and    -   an additional information transfer step of, when the old and the        attribution information correspond, transferring additional        information provided for the old attribution information to the        new attribution information.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computerexecutable program comprising:

-   -   code for comparing old attribution information with new        attribution information; and    -   code for, when the old and the new attribution information        correspond, transferring additional information provided for the        old attribution information to the new attribution information.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing apparatus comprising:

-   -   attribution information comparison means for comparing old        attribution information with new attribution information; and    -   changed attribution information teaching means for displaying        changed attribution information in correlation with data.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an informationprocessing method comprising:

-   -   an attribution information comparison step of comparing old        attribution information with new attribution information; and    -   a changed attribution information teaching step of displaying        changed attribution information in correlation with data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the general processing for molded metalpart mold production;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a CAD apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the CADapparatus in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example geometry model;

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the correlation of individualsections constituting a geometry model;

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a method used for storing Faceinformation in an internal storage medium 201;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a 3D model and an attribution allocation plane;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a 3D model and accompanying attributioninformation;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a 3D model and accompanying attributioninformation;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a 3D model and accompanyingattribution information;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a 3D model and accompanyingattribution information;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing for adding attributioninformation to a 3D model;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing for adding attributioninformation to a 3D model;.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing for adding attributioninformation to a 3D model;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing for adding attributioninformation to a 3D model;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing for adding attributioninformation to a 3D model;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing for adding attributioninformation to a 3D model;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the state wherein a plurality of views areestablished for a 3D model;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams of the 3D model in FIG. 18 correspondingto the view E;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a view on 3D model;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are partial, detailed diagrams of the 3D model;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example wherein the display of thegeometry not correlated with attribution information is changed;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams showing an example wherein only thegeometry within an arbitrary range is displayed;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the state wherein a plurality of views areestablished for a 3D model;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the 3D model seen from the view F in FIG.24;

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the 3D model seen from the view G in FIG.24;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example 3D model;

FIG. 28 is a font view, a plan view and a side view of the 3D model inFIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the state wherein attribution informationis added to the 3D model in FIG. 27;

FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C and 30D are diagrams showing an example 3D model;

FIGS. 31A, 31B and 31C are partially enlarged diagrams showing a 3Dmodel;

FIG. 32 is a front view, a plan view and a side view of the 3D model;.

FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D and 33E are diagrams for explaining the statewherein a 3D model and attribution information are representedtwo-dimensionally;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the processing for setting the directionin which an attribution allocation plane is displayed;

FIG. 35 is a flowchart for displaying a 3D model using attributioninformation as a key;

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for displaying a 3D model using geometricinformation as a key;

FIG. 37 is a flowchart for categorizing attribution information and formeasuring a dimension for each plan;

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the processing for a mold inspectionstep;

FIG. 39 is a diagram wherein identifiers have been added to attributioninformation for a 3D model;

FIG. 40 is a diagram wherein measurement points have been added toattribution information for the 3D model;

FIG. 41 is a conceptual diagram showing data used for measurement;

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an operation teaching process for a 3Dmodel;

FIG. 43 is a detailed flowchart for explaining the operation teachingprocessing;

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a 3D model displayed in correlation withmeasurement results;

FIG. 45 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for storing anidentifier and identifier list information in the internal storagemedium 201;

FIG. 46 is a flowchart for the automatic identifier addition processingperformed during the attribution information addition processing;

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an automatic identifier addition switchingprogram menu for the attribution information addition processing;

FIG. 48 is a flowchart for a method for adding an identifier to eachgeometry model or each attribution group;

FIG. 49 is a flowchart for the method used for adding an identifier toeach geometry model or each attribution group;

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a program menu for the method used foradding an identifier to each geometry model or each attribution group;

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing a geometry model and a geometry model listdisplayed on a display device 204;

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an attribution group list displayed on thedisplay device 204;

FIG. 53 is a flowchart for a method used for adding an identifier foreach set of attribution information;

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a program menu for the method for adding anidentifier for each set of attribution information;

FIG. 55 is a diagram showing attribution information to which anidentifier has been added;

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing an area near attribution information forwhich an identifier can be allocated;

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing an identifier display form;

FIG. 58 is a flowchart for a method for setting and displaying anidentifier for each geometry model or each attribution group;

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a program menu for the method for settingand displaying an identifier for each geometry model or each attributiongroup;

FIG. 60 is a diagram showing the transmission of data in a downstreamsection when a design is changed;

FIG. 61 is a detailed diagram for explaining the processing forcomparing attribution information and for transferring additionalinformation;

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing the state wherein changed attributioninformation is displayed in correlation with a CAD model;

FIGS. 63A and 63B are schematic diagrams showing the measurement statuswhen a CMM automatic measurement instrument is being used;

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing a 3D model in an operation plan;

FIG. 65 is a detailed flowchart for explaining the operation planningprocessing;

FIG. 66 is a diagram showing a 3D model for which attributioninformation is displayed indicating an operation plan has been missed;and

FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example where measurement points areadded by designating coordinates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

One embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detailwhile referring to the accompanying drawings.

(General Processing for Metal Mold Production)

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the general processing performed when thepresent invention is applied for the production of a metal mold formolded parts.

In FIG. 1, at step S101 a product is designed and design drawings forindividual parts are prepared. The design drawings of the parts includerequired information for the production of parts and limitations. Thedesign drawings of the parts are generated by a Computer Aided Design in2 Dimension (2D-CAD) or a Computer Aided Design in 3 Dimension (3D-CAD)system, and the drawing generated by the 3D-CAD system (3D drawing)includes attribution information such as geometric and dimensionaltolerances. The dimensional tolerances can be correlated with thegeometry (a plane, a ridge line, a point), and is used to instruct theinspection of a product and to instruct metal mold accuracy.

At step S102, the manufacturing, such as the assembly or the molding ofa product, is studied, and a process drawing is generated for each part.The process drawing for a part includes detailed inspection instructionsin addition to information required for parts manufacture. A 2D-CAD or a3D-CAD system is employed to generate the process drawing for the part.

Example inspection instructions are:

-   -   (1) numbering of items to be measured (dimensions or dimensional        tolerances); and    -   (2) an instruction for a measurement point or a measurement        method for an item to be measured.

At step S103, a metal mold is designed based on the process drawing (astep drawing and a metal mold specification) for the part prepared atstep S102, and a metal mold drawing is generated. The metal mold drawingincludes information required for metal mold manufacture and arestriction condition. The metal mold drawing is generated by a 2D-CADor a 3D-CAD system, and the metal mold drawing (3D drawing) generated bythe 3D-CAD system includes attribution information, such as dimensionsand dimensional tolerances.

At step S104 the process for the manufacture of the metal mold isstudied based on the metal mold drawing generated at step S103, and ametal mold process drawing is generated. The metal mold manufacturingprocess includes NC machining and general machining. For the steps ofthe NC manufacturing (automatic machining using numerical control), aninstruction for generating an NC program is issued. For the generalmachining (manual machining), an instruction for performing the generalmachining is issued.

At step S105, an NC program is generated based on the metal molddrawing.

At step S106, a machine is used to manufacture a metal mold part.

At step S107, the obtained metal mold part is inspected based on theinformation generated at step S103.

At step S108, metal mold parts are assembled to form a mold.

At step S109, a part obtained by molding is inspected based on theinformation generated at steps S101 and S102. If the part passes theinspection, the processing is thereafter terminated.

At step S110, based on the inspection results at step S109, a metal moldis corrected for which the accuracy of the molded product isinsufficient.

(Product Design)

An explanation will now be given for the design of a product and thegeneration of a design drawing for each part. The design drawing for thepart is generated using a 2D-CAD or a 3D-CAD system.

First, the design of a part will be explained by using an informationprocessing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, e.g., a CAD apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a CAD apparatus. In FIG. 2, an internalstorage medium 201 and an external storage device 202 are semiconductorstorage devices or magnetic storage devices, such as RAMs, for storingCAD data and a CAD program.

A CPU device 203 performs the processing in accordance with a CADprogram command.

A display device 204 is used to display the geometry in accordance witha command received from the CPU device 203.

An input device 205, such as a mouse or a keyboard, is used to providean instruction for the CAD program.

An output device 206, such as a printer, outputs a drawing sheet inaccordance with a command received from the CPU device 203.

An external connecting device 207 connects the CAD apparatus to anexternal device, supplies data received from the CAD apparatus to anexternal device, or permits an external device to control the CADapparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the CADapparatus in FIG. 2.

First, when an operator uses the input device 205 to enter aninstruction to activate the CAD program, the CAD program stored in theexternal storage device 202 is read into the internal storage medium 201and is executed by the CPU device 203 (step S301).

Then, in consequence with instructions interactively entered by theoperator using the input device 205, a geometry model, which will bedescribed later, is generated in the internal storage medium 201 and isdisplayed as an image on the display device 204 (step S302). Further,when the operator uses the input device 205 to designate a file name,the previously prepared geometry model stored in the external storagedevice 202 can be read into the internal storage medium 201 where it canbe handled by the CAD program.

The operator employs the input device 205 to add, as attributioninformation, a dimensional tolerance to a geometry model (step S303).The added attribution information can be displayed as image information,such as labels, on the display device 204, and is stored in the internalstorage medium 201 in correlation with the geometry model.

To provide total control for the display of the attribution information,the operator uses the input device 205 to designate a search conditionand to provide information, which is stored on the internal storagemedium 201, for the group for the attribution information (step S304).For this, the operator can designate a group and provide an attributionin advance. In addition, the operator can use the input device 205 toregister the attribution information in a group or to delete ittherefrom.

Next, the operator uses the input device 205 to designate a condition,such as a group, and to exercise display control, such as the display ornon-display of attribution information or the colors used for theattribution information (step S305). Further, for a geometry model theoperator uses the input device 205 to set up a display method, such as adisplay direction, a magnification power or the center position of thedisplay. Since the display device is designated afterwards, the displaydirection, the magnification and the display center that are designatedcan be used for the display-of the geometry model. Further, since thedisplay method can be correlated with the grouped attributioninformation, when the display method is designated, only the correlatedattribution information is displayed. The display method is stored onthe internal storage medium 201.

The attribution information is stored in the external storage device 202as instructed by the operator (step S306). An identifier may be added tothe attribution information, and may be stored with the attributioninformation in the external storage device 202. This identifier can beused to correlate the attribution information with other data.

Further, the attribution information can be updated by reading from theexternal storage device 202 to the internal storage medium 201 theinformation added to the attribution information.

Next, the operator uses the input device 205 to store, in the externalstorage deice 202, a CAD attribution model obtained by adding theattribution information to the geometry model (step S307).

The geometry model and the CAD attribution model will now be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example geometry model, and FIG. 5 is aconceptual diagram showing the correlation of the individual portionsthat constitute the geometry model.

In FIG. 4, SolidModel is shown as a typical example for the geometrymodel. As is shown in FIG. 4, the SolidModel information is used as anexpression method whereby CAD is employed to define in athree-dimensional space the geometry of a part, which includestopological information (Topology) and geometric information (Geometry).As is shown in FIG. 5, the topological information for the SolidModel ishierarchically stored on the internal storage medium 201, and includesone or more than Shell, one or more than Face for one Shell, one or morethan Loop for one Face, one or more than Edge for one Loop and twoVertexes for one Edge.

Further, Surface information that expresses the Face geometry, such as aflat plane or a cylindrical plane, is stored on the internal storagemedium 201 in correlation with the Face. Also, Curve information thatexpresses Edge geometry, such as a linear line or an arc, is stored onthe internal storage medium 201 in correlation with the Edge. And inaddition, the coordinates in the three-dimension space are stored on theinternal storage medium 201 in correlation with the Vertexes.

For the topological elements of the Shell, the Face, the Loop and theVertex, correlated attribution information is stored on the internalstorage medium 201.

As an example, the method for storing the Face information on theinternal storage medium 201 will now be described.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the method for storing the Faceinformation on the internal storage medium 201.

As is shown in FIG. 6, the Face information includes a FaceID, a pointerto LoopList, which constitutes the Face, a pointer to the Surface data,which represents the Face geometry, and a pointer to the attributioninformation.

LoopList is a list of the IDs of all the Loops that constitute the Face.The Surface data includes SurfaceType and SurfaceParameter, which isconsonant with SurfaceType. The attribution information includes anattribution type and an attribution value consonant with the attributiontype, and the attribution information includes a pointer to the Face anda pointer to a group to which an attribution belongs.

(Input and Display of Attribution Information for a 3D Model)

A detail explanation will now be given for the processing for enteringattribution information for a 3D model, and for displaying a 3D model towhich the attribution information is added.

FIGS. 7 to 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a 3D model and attributioninformation, and FIGS. 12 to 14 are flowcharts for the processing foradding attribution information to a 3D model.

At step S121 in FIG. 12, a 3D model 1 in FIG. 7 is generated, and atstep S122, a required view is established in order to provideattribution information for the 3D model that is generated.

The view is used to define conditions concerning the display of the 3Dmodel 1 that are determined by the visual direction, the magnificationand the center position of a visual line in order to view the 3D model 1in (virtual) three-dimensional space. For example, in FIG. 7, a view Ais determined in the visual direction perpendicular to a plan view inFIG. 28. The magnification and the center position of the visual lineare determined, so that the geometry of the 3D model 1 and almost allthe attribution information that is provided can be displayed on thescreen of the display device. For example, in this embodiment, themagnification is 2 and the visual center position is determined to besubstantially the center in the plan view. A view B in the visualdirection perpendicular to the plan view, and a view C in the visualdirection perpendicular to the side view are set in the same manner.

At step S123, the attribution information is entered, so that it ispositioned in the visual direction of each view and correlated with theview. FIGS. 8, 10A and 11A are diagrams showing the state whereinattribution information is provided for the views A, B and C, and FIGS.9, 10B and 11B are diagrams showing the 3D model 1 as it appears fromthe views A, B and C and the attribution information therefor.

The correlation of the views with the attribution information may beperformed after the attribution information has been entered. Forexample, as is shown in the flowchart in FIG. 13, at step S131, the 3Dmodel 1 is created, at step S132, the attribution information isentered, and at step S133, the attribution information is correlatedwith a desired view. Further, the attribution information correlatedwith the view may be corrected as needed, i.e., added or deleted.

The attribution information may be entered while the 3D model 1 isdisplayed two-dimensionally, while being viewed from the individualviews. The entry of the attribution information can be implemented inthe same manner as is the process for creating a two-dimensional drawingusing so-called 2D-CAD. And as needed, the attribution information canbe entered while the 3D model is displayed three-dimensionally. Sincethe user can enter the attribution information while watching the 3Dmodel 1 displayed three-dimensionally, erroneous input will not occurand the entry of data will be performed efficiently.

To read the attribution information for the 3D model, at step S141 inFIG. 14, a desired view is selected, and at step S142, based on thevisual direction of the selected view, the magnification and the visualcenter, attribution information is displayed that is provided incorrelation with the geometry of the 3D model and the view. At thistime, views selectable for the 3D model 1 are appropriately stored, andicons are displayed on the screen, making it possible for a desired viewto be easily selected. When, for example, the view A, B or C isselected, a 3D model is displayed in FIG. 9, 10B or 11B. At this time,since the attribution information is positioned relative to each view,the 3D model can extremely easily be seen two-dimensionally.

(Another Method for Entering Attribution Information)

In the attribution information entering processing described above whilereferring to FIGS. 11A and 11B to 14, the attribution information iscorrelated with the individual views. The correlation means is notlimited to this arrangement, however, and the attribution informationmay be sorted into groups, for example, and the groups correlated withthe views.

This process will now be described while referring to the flowcharts inFIGS. 15 and 16.

The attribution information input in advance either is sorted intogroups selectively or is based on the search results, and each group iscorrelated with an arbitrary view. As a result, the same results andeffects as described above can be obtained. Further, when theattribution information is corrected, i.e., is added to a group or isdeleted therefrom, attribution information correlated with the view canbe manipulated.

That is, the 3D model 1 is generated (step S151), the attributioninformation is entered (step S152), and the visual direction of theview, the center position and the magnification are set for the 3D model1 (step S153). Then, the attribution information input at step S152 isassembled into a group, and the selected view is correlated with thegrouped attribution information (step S154).

As is shown in FIG. 16, the view for the display is selected (step S161)and the attribution information provided for the selected view isdisplayed (step S162).

(Setting Up a Plurality of Views)

An explanation will now be given for the processing for setting up aplurality of views with the same visual direction orientation.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for the processing for setting up a plurality ofviews with the same visual direction orientation. FIG. 18 is a diagramshowing a 3D model when a plurality of views with the same visualdirection orientation are to be set up.

An explanation will be given for a case wherein a plurality of views isset up for which the perspective direction is that of the front view ofthe 3D model 1 in FIG. 7.

The 3D model 1 is created in the above described manner (step S171) andat step S172 a first view D is set up. The visual direction is theperspective direction employed for of the front view, the magnificationis 2 and the center position is substantially the center of the frontview. Then, the position of the visual line is set. The position of thevisual line is defined as a position from which the 3D model 1 can beseen or displayed in the visual direction. The view D is, for example,set up at a position 30 mm distant from the exterior of the front viewof the 3D model 1, and the visual position is aligned with the virtualplane D in FIG. 18. It should be noted that so long as a visual positionis located outside the 3D model 1, it will not cause the display of aperspective view (the front view, the plan view, both side views, thebottom view or the rear view) to be affected by so-called trigonometry.

At step S173, the attribution information in FIG. 10A is entered incorrelation with the view D, so that, as is shown in FIG. 10B, the 3Dmodel 1 can extremely easily be viewed two-dimensionally in thedirection set for the view D.

At step S174, a second view E is set up. The visual direction is thesame as that of the view D, i.e., the direction for the front view, themagnification is also 2, and the center position is also setsubstantially as the center of the front view. Then, the visual positionis located near the corner of the step-shaped groove of the 3D model 1.

Next, the visual position is set as the center of the hole in the 3Dmodel 1. In FIG. 18, the visual position is located on the virtual planeE. At this time, the 3D model 1 in the direction set for the view E hasa cross-sectional shape cut along the visual plane E, as is shown inFIG. 19B. Further, the attribution information is entered in correlationwith the view E.

When the 3D model 1 is moved or rotated when the view E is selected, the3D model 1 can be displayed in three dimensions, as is shown in FIG.19A.

An explanation will now be given for the operation performed to changethe overall view of the model in FIG. 7 into the cross-sectional view,and for confirming the attribution information. In some cases, it isdifficult to identify the position on the model whereat the virtualplane correlated with the attribution information is located, and toidentify the direction of the visual line.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example wherein the location of avirtual plane and a visual direction are indicated. When the entire 3Dmodel is displayed, lines are displayed at the points whereat the 3Dmodel and the virtual planes intersect, i.e., at the cross-sectionalpositions. The types of lines used differ from those used to representthe ridge lines of the 3D model, and are, for example, broken lines,fine lines, or differently colored lines.

When a mark indicating the visual direction defined on the virtual planeand the name of a virtual plane are presented near the line, this is afurther identification help.

FIG. 21A, FIG. 21B and FIG. 22 are partial detailed diagrams.

An explanation will now be given for the processing for confirming theattribution information by referring to the cross section in FIG. 21A.

When the attribution information is confirmed by referring to thetwo-dimensional partial detailed drawing, the other ridge lines arecomplex and their visibility may be deteriorated, as is shown in FIG.21B.

Thus, as is shown in FIG. 22, for the geometry that is not correlatedwith the displayed attribution information, visibility is improved bychanging the method used to display the geometry. In FIG. 22, chainlines are used to represent the ridge lines of the non-correlatedgeometry.

The display method is not limited to the use of chain lines, anddifferent colors or an opaque display may be employed.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams showing an example wherein an area thatis displayed is sandwiched between two planes. In FIG. 23A, lines areshown indicating the locations whereat two planes intersect the 3Dmodel, and in FIG. 23B, a 3D model and attribution information are shownonly for the area sandwiched between the two planes.

Since only a desired range is displayed, an operator can removeunnecessary information, improve the visibility, and efficiently performthe operation.

According to the embodiment, since the attribution information can beentered and displayed while watching the so-called cross-sectionalgeometry, the portion to which the attribution information is instructedcan be easily and immediately identified.

Further, a plurality of views from which the same geometry as that ofthe 3D model 1 may be seen can be employed. FIG. 24 is a diagram showinga view F and a view G having the same visual direction, magnification,center position and visual position. In this example, the views F and Gare directed toward the plan view of the 3D model 1. When attributioninformation is grouped and correlated with the views, the entry ofattribution information that can easily be seen can be implemented. Forexample, in FIG. 25 the attribution information related to an externaldimension is grouped for the plan view of the 3D model 1, and in FIG.26, the attribution information concerning the position and the shape ofa hole is grouped. The attribution information groups are thencorrelated with the view F and the view G, and since the correlatedgroups of attribution information are is allocated for the views, theassociated attribution information can be easily seen.

(Magnification of a View)

When a desired magnification of a view is employed, complicated geometryor detailed geometry can be easily identified.

This embodiment is effective for all the 3D-CAD and 2D-CAD systems,regardless of the hardware constituting a 3D-CAD apparatus or the methodused for forming a 3D model.

(Location of Attribution Information)

The location of attribution information will now be described.

In order to express a 3D model and attribution information to be addedthereto so that they can be easily seen as a two-dimensional drawing, anoperator selects or groups a plurality of attribution information forthe portion of a 3D model to be expressed, and correlates theattribution information with the attribution allocation plane. So longas a two-dimensional drawing method is employed, the attributioninformation need only be allocated in an area in the visual direction ofthe correlated attribution allocation plane. However, for a so-called“3D drawing” where attribution information is added to a 3D model, somedevices are required to satisfactorily demonstrate the merits of the 3Dmodel.

In this case, as well as the view, the attribution allocation plane isused to define a condition concerning the display of the 3D model 1 andthe attribution information that is added to the 3D model 1. In thisembodiment, the attribution allocation plane is defined as the positionof a point (hereinafter referred to as a visual line) in a (virtual)three-dimensional space and the normal direction (visual direction) of aplane to be generated. Further, the attribution allocation planeincludes information for the display magnification (hereinafter referredto simply as a magnification) of the 3D model 1 and the attributioninformation added to the 3D model. The visual line is defined as aposition from which the 3D model 1 can be seen, i.e., is displayed inthe visual direction.

One of the merits of the 3D model 1 is that, since the 3D model 1 can bethree-dimensionally expressed on a display screen so its appearance isnear that of the real object, the process (conventionally performedmainly in the mind of the operator) for the transformation from twodimensions to three dimensions, which is required for the preparation ofa two-dimensional drawing, is not required for an operator who preparesa 3D model or an operator (a step designer, a metal molddesigner/manufacturer, a measurer, etc.) who performs the next stepusing the 3D model. This transformation process depends greatly on theskill of the operator, and accordingly, erroneous transformations andthe loss of transformation time occur.

In order to prevent the loss of the merit of the 3D model 1 representedby the three-dimensional expression of a model in a 3D drawing, certaindevices are required for the three-dimensional display of attributioninformation (the location of attribution information).

A point to be contrived will now be described while referring to FIGS.30A to 30D.

FIG. 30A is a perspective view of a 3D model 2 used for the explanation.FIG. 30B is a plan view of the 3D model 2. FIG. 30C is a perspectiveview for explaining the state wherein attribution information is addedto the 3D model 2 without an allocation system being devised. FIG. 30Dis a perspective view of the attribution information for which anallocation system has been devised.

First, an attribution allocation plane 218 is prepared and attributioninformation is entered in order to generate a two-dimensional plan viewfor the 3D model 2. The state wherein the 3D model 2 is displayed alongthe visual line of the attribution allocation plane 218 is shown in FIG.30B.

When a plurality of attribution information allocation planes arealternately arranged as is shown in FIG. 30C in order to inputattribution information, the attribution information sets are overlappedand it is difficult to identify the contents of the attributioninformation. Since as in FIG. 30C the contents of the attributioninformation are not easily seen even when only a small number ofattributions is provided, it is easily assumed that, for a morecomplicated geometry, the attribution information will not be effectiveand that it will not be possible to establish the perspective state as adrawing.

However, when as is shown in FIG. 30D the attribution information setsare allocated on the same plane, the attribution information sets do notoverlap each other and can be easily identified, as in therepresentation of the two-dimensional drawing in FIG. 30B.

In this manner, when the attribution information is added to the 3Dmodel, as in the two-dimensional representation, the attributioninformation can be easily identified, while the merit of the 3D model,i.e., the three-dimensional representation, is employed. Thus, theobtained drawing can be used as a three-dimensional drawing.

Further, it is preferable that the plane whereon attribution informationis to be allocated be the same plane as the attribution allocationplane.

In this example, a simple 3D model has been employed; however, when amore complicated 3D model is handled, a plurality of attributionallocation planes must be set in the same visual direction.

Assume that a plurality of attribution allocation planes and correlatedattribution information are displayed together in order to select adesired attribution allocation plane or desired attribution information.

In this case, if the face whereon the attribution information isallocated is at a distance from the attribution allocation plane, thecorrelation of the attribution information and the attributionallocation plane is not easily perceived, and the attribution allocationplane or the attribution information may be erroneously selected. Inorder to prevent such an erroneous selection and make it easy tovisually perceive the correlation, the attribution information should beallocated on the same plane as the attribution allocation plane.

Further, to generate the attribution allocation plane in the same visualdirection as explained while referring to FIG. 24, a plurality ofattribution allocation planes should be allocated in the same visualdirection. When the attribution allocation planes and the correlatedattribution information are displayed at the same time, and when theattribution allocation planes are generated on the same face, the faceon which the attribution information is allocated is also on the sameplane, the attribution information sets are overlapped and not easilyidentified, not only in the visual direction, but also in an obliquedirection shifted away from the visual direction. Originally, because alarge number of attribution information sets are provided in onedirection, the attribution information sets are allocated for aplurality of attribution allocation planes, so that the overlapping ofattribution information sets can not be avoided when they are displayedat the same time.

Even when no means is available to resolve the problem that attributioninformation can not easily be seen in the visual direction, arrangingthe attribution allocation planes at a distance in the same visualdirection is an effective means for easily identifying the attributioninformation in the perspective state.

(Magnification)

A magnification will now be described.

When the attribution allocation plane is displayed at a desiredmagnification, a complicated or a detailed shape can more easily beseen.

FIGS. 31A to 31C are diagrams showing the state wherein the 3D model 1is partially enlarged and displayed. As is shown in FIG. 31A, while thevisual direction of the 3D model 1 is oriented toward the plan view, thevisual line position is set near the corner and the magnification is setto 5, the attribution allocation plane 217 is provided for the 3D model1, and the step-shape and the attribution information can be displayedso they are easily understood (FIG. 31B). In this case, all theattribution information sets correlated with the attribution allocationplane are allocated in a frame 217 a, and the attribution allocationplane 217 corresponds to a so-called local perspective view. Merely bywatching the frame 217 a, all the correlated attribution information canbe seen, and no examination need be made to determine whether theattribution information for the 3D model is present outside the frame217 a. As a result, an efficient operation can be performed.

This embodiment is effective for all 3D-CAD and 2D-CAD systems,regardless of the hardware constituting a 3D-CAD apparatus or the methodused to form a 3D model.

(Selection of a Plurality of Attribution Allocation Planes)

The selection of a plurality of attribution allocation planes will nowbe described.

In this embodiment, to display attribution information correlated withan attribution allocation plane, only one attribution allocation planeis selected. However, while taking into account the object of thepresent invention, a plurality of attribution allocation planes may beselected.

Since there is only one visual position and one visual direction when asingle attribution allocation plane is selected, only one display methodis employed for the display device. When a plurality of attributionallocation planes are selected, a plurality of display methods must beemployed, so that some display means is required. For example, all theattribution information correlated with a plurality of selectedattribution allocation planes may be displayed, and the setting for aspecific attribution allocation plane can be selected and used for thevisual position and the visual direction.

Further, the attribution information can be displayed by using adifferent color for each correlation attribution allocation plane, sothat different attribution information groups can be easily identified.

(Horizontal or Vertical Setting of an Attribution Allocation Plane)

An explanation will now be given for the horizontal or vertical settingof an attribute allocation plane.

Thus far, only the setting of the visual position, the visual directionand the magnification according to the present invention has beenexplained, and no explanation has been given for the horizontal orvertical setting of the attribution allocation plane.

In the two-dimensional drawing, rules are provided for the allocation ofviews (a plan view, a front view and a side view) obtained in theindividual visual directions in FIG. 32. This is because the positionalrelationship viewed in each visual direction must be easily understoodin order to represent the actual three-dimensional geometry on atwo-dimensional plane.

For the 3D drawing, whereat the attribution information is added to the3D model, it is possible to provide not only the two-dimensionalrepresentations (FIGS. 9, 10B and 11B) viewed in the directionperpendicular to the external face of the 3D model, but also thethree-dimensional representations (FIGS. 10A and 11A) that are viewed inthe oblique direction by rotating the 3D model in the two-dimensionalstate.

Therefore, in the three-dimensional representation, the horizontal orvertical direction (it is assumed that the horizontal and verticaldirections match the corresponding directions on the display screen) ofthe attribution allocation plane need not be specifically defined inorder to display the plan view, the front view and the side view. Solong as the 3D model and the attribution information attached theretoare correctly expressed, all the representations in FIGS. 33A to 33E canbe correct representations. Further, when the 3D model is rotatedslightly, the 3D model can be displayed three-dimensionally, and it iseasy to identify in what part of the 3D model the currently displayedportion is located, and to easily understand the plan view and the sideview taken in another visual direction. Thus, no special problem isencountered when the 3D model is displayed in the horizontal or verticaldirection of the attribution allocation plane without taking intoaccount the positional relationship of the visual directions.

However, in the three-dimensional drawing wherein attributioninformation is added to the 3D model, not all the operator conditionscan be such that the operators can be freely rotated to display a 3Dmodel. This is because there are some offices that do not require that a3D drawing be corrected, and that need only store and read, as digitaldata, the two-dimensional image data displayed on each attributionallocation plane. Furthermore, there are also offices that can cope withonly conventional paper drawings.

On this assumption, a rule used for the two-dimensional drawing must beemployed for the display viewed in each visual direction.

Thus, before generating the attribution allocation plane, the horizontalor vertical direction for the display of the 3D model on the displaydevice 204 must be set.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart for this process.

First, a 3D model is created (step S3001).

Then, the visual position, the visual direction and the magnificationfor the 3D model are set, and the attribution allocation plane isgenerated (step S3002).

The horizontal direction (or the vertical direction) of the attributionallocation plane is designated (step S3003). For this designation, thethree axial directions (X, Y and Z) present in the (virtual)three-dimensional space may be selected, or the direction of the ridgeline of the 3D model or the vertical direction of the plane of the 3Dmodel may be selected.

When the horizontal direction (or the vertical direction) of theattribution allocation plane is designated, the positions whereat the 3Dmodel and the attribution information are displayed are determined byselecting the attribution allocation plane.

To create another attribution allocation plane, the horizontal direction(or the vertical direction) need only be designated while maintainingthe visual direction of the created attribution allocation plane.

(Categorization of Each Plan for Measuring Attribution Information)

An explanation will now be given for the background wherefor, accordingto this invention, attribution information such as dimensions iscategorized and groups are formed.

In the molded product inspection step at S109 in FIG. 1, a portion ofthe 3D model is measured using several measurement instruments, whilereferring to attribution information, such as a dimension and adimensional tolerance, that is added to the 3D model or the drawing. Thetype of measurement instrument used is a three-dimensional measurementinstrument, such as a CMM, or a micrometer or a microscope, that ismanually operated by an operator.

The targeted portion is measured by referring to attributioninformation, such as a dimension, that is added to the 3D model or thedrawing.

Parts to be measured have three dimensions, and are measured in everydirection, or in an arbitrarily selected direction, depending on theportion to be measured.

Therefore, when an automatic measurement instrument, such as a CMM, isused for the measurement, a tool is used to fix the parts to be measuredto the table of the instrument in several directions.

Guidelines established for the positioning of a part in each measurementdirection and the settings for specific measurement instruments arecalled measurement plans.

An explanation will now be given, while referring to FIG. 37, formeasurement plan categorization means and measurement navigation meansaccording to the embodiment.

At step S371, the attribution information added to the 3D model or thedrawing is categorized for individual measurement plans. In thisprocess, as is explained while referring to FIG. 2, the operator employsthe input device 205 to select desired attribution information fromamong that displayed on the display device 204, and to categorize itwhile providing a group name.

The selected attribution information may also be added to or deletedfrom a conventional group.

Furthermore, the categorized group information can be stored in theexternal storage device 202 in FIG. 2, such as a hard disk, or in adifferent information processing apparatus via an external connectingdevice 207, such as a network, so that the group information can be readby different information processing apparatuses.

In addition, a plurality of groups can be prepared for measurementplans, and therefore, in the following explanation it is assumed thatplan A and plan B have been are generated.

A measurement operator a positions a target part on a measurementinstrument as in plan A, and a measurement operator b positions a targetpart on the measurement instrument as in plan B. This operation can beperformed in parallel by preparing a plurality of parts to be measured.

This process is performed following the product design step S102 in FIG.1 and before the molded product inspection step S109.

At step S373 a, only attribution information categorized for plan A isdisplayed on the display device 204 in FIG. 2, and while referring toplan A, the operator measures the target part, or performs themeasurement teaching.

As another display method, attribution information categorized for planA can be displayed in order on the display device 204.

With this method, even when there are many attribution information setsit is easy to identify the portion to be measured and to reduceomissions, such as the entry of measurements.

At step S373 b, only attribution information categorized for plan B isdisplayed on the display device 204 in FIG. 2. While referring to planB, the operator measures the target part, or performs the measurementteaching.

Since the operator efficiently refers to the attribution informationpertinent to the plan, the occurrence of human errors, such asmeasurement omissions or measurement overlapping, can be reduced.

In this explanation, this embodiment has been employed for the moldedproduct inspection processing; however, the embodiment can be appliedfor the metal mold inspection step S107, and the same effects can beobtained.

Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied for a case wherein theattribution information must be repetitively referred to during anoperation that requires several plans. Therefore, the planning processcan be performed in advance and referring to attribution informationcan-be performed efficiently.

(Method for Displaying Attribution Information)

A method for displaying attribution information will now be described.

In the explanation given for the embodiment, as a method for selectivelydisplaying attribution information entered for the 3D model, first, anattribution allocation plane is selected, and then, attributioninformation correlated with the attribution allocation plane isdisplayed as needed. The embodiment is not limited to this method,however. As another effective method, attribution information isselected, and the 3D model and the attribution information are displayedat the visual position, in the visual direction and at the magnificationfor the attribution allocation plane correlated with the attributioninformation.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence for the selectionand display of attribution information.

When the 3D model and the attribution information in the plan view inFIG. 8 are displayed, a cylindrical projection φ15±0.05 is selected(step S311).

The 3D model and the attribution information correlated with theattribution allocation plane 211 are displayed based on the visualposition, the visual direction and the magnification that are set forthe attribution allocation plane 211 (step S312). In this case, thefront view in FIG. 9 is displayed.

Therefore, since the relationship of the selected attributioninformation and the 3D model is displayed two-dimensionally, therelationship can be easily identified.

-   -   Plane selection method

In this embodiment, as a method for selectively displaying attributioninformation entered for the 3D model, first, an attribution allocationplane or attribution information is selected, and then, the attributioninformation correlated with the attribution allocation plane isdisplayed as needed, based on the setting for the attribute allocationplane. The embodiment is not limited to this method, however. As anothereffective method, the geometric information (Geometry) for the 3D modelis selected, the attribution information correlated with the geometricinformation is displayed, and the 3D model and the attributioninformation are displayed at the visual position, in the visualdirection and at the magnification for the attribution allocation planecorrelated with the attribution information.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the processing sequence for the selectionand the display of attribution information.

Geometric information (ridge lines, planes and vertexes) for the 3Dmodel is selected (step S321).

Attribution information correlated with the selected geometricinformation is then displayed (step S322).

When there is a plurality of correlated attribution information sets,all of them may be displayed. Further, all the attribution informationbelonging to attribution information planes with which attributioninformation is correlated may be displayed.

Next, the 3D model and the attribution information are displayed basedon the visual position, the visual direction and the magnification (thehorizontal direction of the attribution allocation plane), of theattribution allocation plane correlated with the displayed attributioninformation. At this time, when a plurality of attribution allocationplanes are to be selected, the operator is permitted to select theplanes that are to be displayed.

Since correlated attribution information can be searched for anddisplayed using the geometry of the 3D model as a key, this is a verypractical method.

-   -   Selection of geometric information→display of correlated        attribution information (single set)→display of attribution        information at a position on a correlated attribution allocation        plane.    -   Selection of geometric information→display of correlated        attribution information (single set). Display all the        attribution information correlated with an attribution        allocation plane.    -   Selection of geometric information→display of correlated        attribution information (multiple sets)→display of attribution        information sets at positions on a single correlated attribution        allocation plane.    -   Selection of geometric information→display of correlated        attribution information (multiple sets). Display all the        attribution information sets correlated with attribution        allocation planes.    -   Selection of geometric information→display of correlated        attribution information (multiple-sets)→display of attribution        information sets at positions on multiple correlated attribution        allocation planes.    -   Selection of geometric information→display of correlated        attribution information (multiple sets). Display all the        attribution information sets correlated with attribution        allocation planes.

(Display)

An explanation will now be given for the processing for displaying a 3Dmodel to which the thus generated attribution information is added.

Data for a 3D model, to which the attribution information prepared bythe information processing apparatus in FIG. 1 is added, can betransmitted by the information processing apparatus directly or via anexternal connecting device, and can be displayed by another informationprocessing apparatus, as in FIG. 2, at the steps in FIG. 1.

First, an operator, a design engineer who designs products/units/parts,displays a generated 3D model in the manner shown in FIGS. 9, 10B and11B, so that new attribution information can be added to a 3D model asthough a two-dimensional drawing was being prepared. For example, whenthe shape of a 3D model is complicated, as needed, the three-dimensionalrepresentation and the two-dimensional representation for the 3D modelare alternately displayed, or are displayed on the same plane. Thus,desired attribution information can be entered efficiently andaccurately.

Further, an operator who is to examine/approve the generated 3D modeldisplays and examines it by displaying the representations of the 3Dmodel shown in FIGS. 9, 10B and 11B on the same plane or alternately.Then, marks or symbols indicating “inspected”, “OK”, “NG”, “suspended”and “re-examination required”, or attribution information, such ascoloring, are added. In this case, it is natural for the operator toexamine the 3D model by, as needed, comparing it with or referring to aplurality of products/units/parts.

Furthermore, a design engineer or a designer other than the creator of a3D model may refer to the generated 3D model to design anotherproduct/unit/part. By referring to the 3D model, it is easy to apprehendthe intent of the creator or the design method.

Further, when preparing a 3D model for use in manufacturing, an operatorcan add to it required information or attribution information. In thiscase, the operator is an engineer tasked with setting up the processingfor the manufacture of products/units/parts. The operator instructs theuse of a process type and tools, or adds corners R or the chamfering ofridge lines, angular portions or corners that is required for themachining of the 3D model. Either this, or the operator instructs ameasurement method to be used for a dimension or a dimensionaltolerance, adds measurement points to a 3D model, or enters measurementnotes. The operator can efficiently perform this operation by referringto the representations shown in FIGS. 10B and 11B, which are easy toapprehend visually, and by, as needed, confirming the geometrythree-dimensionally.

An operator can obtain information required for a desired preparationfrom the 3D model or the attribution information. In this case, theoperator is a design engineer tasked with designing metal molds, toolsand various types of devices required for manufacturing the 3D model.The operator apprehends the shape of the 3D model by referring to itsrepresentation in three-dimensional space, and extracts requiredinformation, which is easily perceived visually, from therepresentations shown in FIGS. 9, 10B and 11B. Then, based on theattribution information, the operator designs metal molds, tools anddevices. When, for example, the operator is a metal mold designer, basedon the 3D model and the attribution information, the operator designsmetal molds by examining their structure, and adds, as needed, thecorners R and the chamfering to ridge lines, angular portions andcorners that are required for the manufacture of metal molds. Further,when a metal mold is a resin injection molded type, the operator adds adraft angle required for the molding of the 3D model.

Furthermore, an operator who is responsible for the manufacture ofproducts/units/parts can also employ this embodiment. In this case, theoperator will be a product/unit/part machining or assembly engineer.While referring to the representations in FIGS. 9, 10B and 11B, whichare easily apprehended visually, and, as needed, confirming the shapethree-dimensionally, the operator efficiently and accurately obtains themeasurement method used for dimensions or dimension tolerances, themeasurement points and the notes provided for the measurements andbegins to perform the inspection, measurement and evaluation operation.Then, again as needed, the operator can add to the 3D model, asattribution information, the inspection, measurement and evaluationresults that are thus provided. The operation can provide, for example,measurement results corresponding to the dimensions. In addition, theoperator enters marks or symbols for the attribution information or forportions of the 3D model for which the dimensional tolerances areexceeded, or to indicate defects, such as scratches. Further, inaddition to the examination results, marks or symbols indicting“inspected”, “measured” and “evaluated” or coloring may be provided.

Moreover, an operator who works for a department, or is responsible forthe manufacture of products/units/parts can employ this embodiment. Inthis case, the operator is a person tasked with analyzing manufacturingcosts, a person responsible for the ordering of products/units/parts orvarious associated parts, or a person charged with overseeing thecreation of operation manuals or the preparation of packing materialsfor products/units/parts. In this case, also while referring to the 3Dmodel three dimensionally, the operator can easily apprehend the shapeof a product/unit/part, and can efficiently perform his or her job byreferring to the representations in FIGS. 9, 10B and 11B, which areeasily perceived visually.

(Input an Inspection Instruction)

An inspection instruction will now be described.

As is described above, in order to inspect a produced metal mold orpart, a 3D model is displayed for which dimensions have previously beenallocated.

During this processing, attribution information is entered for anattribution allocation plane that was previously designated so that aposition to be inspected is clearly displayed.

Specifically, a 3D model is formed, and the sequential inspection order,the positions to be inspected and the inspection entries for planes,lines and ridge lines are input. By conducting the inspection in theorder designated, the number of inspection steps is reduced.

First, the entries and positions to be inspected are entered and theoverall display is presented. Then, using a predetermined method, theinspection order is assigned for the individual entries. For an actualinspection, an attribution allocation plane is selected by designatingthe inspection order (the instructed order is stored on the storagemedium 201), and on the attribution allocation plane, in order toclearly identify the inspection positions, faces at the positions to beinspected are displayed in different forms (different colors).

Then, the inspection results provided and whether re-molding is requiredare input for the individual designated inspection entries.

As is described above, according to the embodiment, an easy to seescreen can be obtained by performing a simple operation for whichattribution allocation planes and attribution information are used.Further, the relationship between the visual direction and theattribution information can also be perceived at a glance. Furthermore,since dimensional values are input in advance, erroneous readings, theresult of operator manipulation errors, can be reduced.

In addition, since only information correlated with the visual directioncan be read, required information can be easily obtained.

Moreover, since a large amount of attribution information in the samevisual direction is allocated to a plurality of attribution allocationplanes, an easy to see screen can be presented, and requited informationcan be easily obtained.

Also, since an attribution allocation plane is set inside the 3D model,i.e., in its cross section, correlated attribution information can bedisplayed so that it is easily understood.

Since the size of attribution information is changed in accordance withthe display magnification for the attribution allocation plane, theattribution information can be appropriately represented so it can beidentified easily.

Further, since the attribution information is provided on theattribution allocation plane, it can be read even from athree-dimensional oblique view of the 3D model.

Furthermore, since by using the attribution information as a key theattribution allocation plane can be searched and only informationcorrelated with the attribution allocation plane can be read, requiredinformation can be easily obtained.

And in addition, since by using the geometric information as a key theattribution information and the attribution allocation plane can besearched for and only information correlated with the attributionallocation information can be read, required information can be easilyobtained.

As is described above, according to the embodiment, as the first effectattribution information, such as a dimension, is categorized by theinformation processing apparatus, and the obtained results are storedand read. Thus, since the dimensions are categorized only once, inadvance, the processing time can be reduced compared with theconventional case, wherein repetitive categorization is performed eachtime a measurement is made.

In addition, while conventionally the categorization process isperformed following the measurement of an object, such as a moldedproduct or a metal mold, attribution information, such as a dimension,is categorized for each measurement instrument or each plan before theobject to be measured is produced by the information processingapparatus. Thus, the categorization process can be performed early, andthe inspection process time required following the production of theobject to be measured can be reduced.

As the second effect, since attribution information, such as adimension, is categorized in advance for each measurement instrument oreach plan, the measurement processes that conventionally aresequentially performed can be performed in parallel. For example,whereas conventionally a measurement is obtained by using athree-dimensional measurement instrument, such as a CMM, and by thenusing a microscope and a micrometer, a measurement can be obtained byusing these measurement instruments simultaneously.

As the third effect, attribution information is categorized by theinformation processing apparatus, or the process state is read from thestorage device, and the attribution information, such as dimensions, isdisplayed in order, so that within a short period of time themeasurement process can be performed and the attribution informationapprehended.

As the fourth effect, attribution information is categorized by theinformation processing apparatus, or the process state is read from thestorage device and the attribution information, such as dimensions, isdisplayed in order, so that human errors can be suppressed and thenumber of backtracking steps reduced.

(Mold Inspection Processing)

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the processing performed when the presentinvention is employed for mold inspection.

At step S381 in FIG. 38, attribution information is designated and aunique identifier is automatically added to it. During this processing,instead of inputting an identifier for the designated attributioninformation, an attribution information group is correlated with a view,or an arbitrary attribution information group, or parts of it, definedat S304 in FIG. 3 may be designated and identifiers collectively addedin the order represented by designated numbers.

In addition, when at step S132 attribution information for a 3D model isinput, a unique identifier may be added.

An added identifier is stored on the internal storage medium 201 or inthe external storage device 202 as an attribution value for theattribution information in FIG. 6.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example wherein an added identifier islocated near the attribution information displayed on the display device204. An identifier 191 is displayed near the attribution information byenclosing it within a circle or a square. Since the identifier isenclosed within a circle or a square, it can be easily distinguishedfrom the other attribution values.

At step S382, attribution information is categorized for eachmeasurement plan.

The measurement planning will now be described.

A part to be measured has a 3D geometry, and is to be measured in everydirection or in an arbitrary direction, depending on the measurementpositions. When an automatic measurement instrument, such as a CMM, isemployed, the measurement process is conducted by using a tool to fix atarget part to the table of the instrument.

The process for categorizing a dimension for each measurement directionusing an automatic measurement instrument, or the process forcategorizing a dimension manually measured using a micrometer, is calledmeasurement planning.

This step S382 is performed when dimensions to be categorized aregrouped at step S304.

The attribution information groups are arranged following Group List inFIG. 6 and stored on the internal storage medium 201 or in the externalstorage device 202.

At step S383, measurement points are designated for attributioninformation.

For attribution information, such as dimensions, points that an operatoruses as measurement indexes can be designated in advance on a CAD model.By referring to the information for a measurement point, a measurementpath program for an automatic measurement instrument, such as a CMM, canalso be generated.

The input device 205, such as a mouse, is used to enter the measurementpoints for a 3D model displayed on the display device 204. The inputmeasurement points are stored as attribution values for the attributioninformation on the internal storage medium 201 or in the externalstorage device 202.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example wherein measurement pointsdisplayed on the display device 204 are correlated with the 3D model andthe attribution information.

Measurement points 401 are examples displayed on the display device 204,as are point IDs 402. Identifiers unique to individual informationattribution information are also added to the measurement points aspoint IDs 402. As is shown in FIG. 40, the point IDs 402 on the displaydevice 204 are displayed near the measurement points 401.

At step S384, a part or a group is designated for measurement planning,and measurement data is output to the external storage device 202.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing examples of the measurement data that isoutput.

The measurement data entries are an identifier, a measurement point ID,the coordinates of a measurement point, a design value, a toleranceupper limit, a tolerance lower limit, a measured value and otherinformation.

While referring to information that, for each attribution informationset, is stored on the internal storage medium 201, or in the externalstorage device 202, as an attribution value for attribution information,the above described data entries are output as the table in FIG. 41.

When the attribution information includes a plurality of measurementpoints, the above data are output for each measurement point.

When measurement data having a table form are output to the externalstorage device 202, the data collection operation can be automated byreferring to measurement data output by another application.

When measurement data that include the coordinates of a measurementpoint are output, a coordinate system can also be designated.

At step S385, when a part or a group for an operation plan is designatedas is shown in FIG. 42, to distinguish between ridge lines and points onthe 3D model, indicating portions to be measured, and attributioninformation, such as dimensions, that are displayed on the displaydevice 204, different display colors are used.

While referring to the 3D model on the display device 204, themeasurement operator can generate a measurement program for a CMM, orcan employ a manual measurement instrument, such as a vernier caliper ora gauge.

The measurement results can be input to the table in FIG. 41.

The process at step S385 will be further explained while referring toFIGS. 42 and 43.

At step S431 in FIG. 43, a part or an attribution information group isdesignated for which measurement navigation is to be performed. For thisprocess, a menu 421 in FIG. 42 that is displayed on the display device204 is employed for the interactive designation of the designated partor attribution information group.

When the part or the group is designated for the measurement navigation,at step S432 the first measurement portion is displayed on the displaydevice 204.

An example 423 for teaching the measurement portion is shown in FIG. 42.

As is shown in FIG. 42, the attribution information to be measured ishighlighted with the identifier, and can be easily distinguished fromother attribution information.

Further, since a color differing from the color of a CAD model is usedto display the face of the model that is to be measured, an operator canidentify the portion that is to be measured.

Further, when a measurement point is present on the face to be measured,an identifier for the measurement point can be displayed near theportion of the face whereat the measurement point is defined, and thepoint to be measured can be taught the operator.

When no teaching attribution information is present for the designatedpart or attribution information group, information indicating “there isno teaching attribution information” is output to the display device204, and program control returns to step S431. Then, another part oranother attribution information group can be selected.

At step S433, a check is performed to determine whether there isattribution information for teaching the next measurement. A “teachingflag”, which is one of attribution values for the attributioninformation shown in FIG. 6, is used to indicate whether the teachinghas been accomplished and is stored, for each attribution informationset, on the internal storage medium 201 or in the external storagedevice 202. When the attribution information is added, a value of “0”,indicating pre-teaching, is set as the initial value for the “teachingflag”. And when the teaching has been accomplished, a value of “1”,indicating that the teaching has been accomplished, is set as the valuefor the “teaching flag” for the pertinent attribution information. Thus,when by referring to the “teaching flag” for the attribution informationfor the designated part or of the designated group, attributioninformation having a value “0” is found to be present, it is ascertainedthat attribution information is available for the teaching of the nextmeasurement.

And when it is ascertained at step S433 that attribution information forteaching the next measurement is available, at step S434 a state(active) is set in which the “next page” button on the menu 421 in FIG.42 can be selected. The operator can then use an input device 205, suchas a mouse, to select the “next page” button so that an instruction isissued for the display of the attribution information for the nextmeasurement.

Since the state is provided wherein the “next page” button can beselected on the menu 421, the operator can ascertain that attributioninformation to be measured remains. As a result, an inspection omissioncan be suppressed, and the time loss attributable to backtracking, suchas a re-measurement process performed for attribution information thatwas missed, can be reduced.

At step S435, as at step S432, the portion to be measured is displayedon the display device 204. At this time, in the active state the“previous page” button on the menu 421 is changed to the “previous page”button on the menu 422, and the screen can be returned to the teachingscreen for the attribution information for teaching the previousmeasurement.

To improve the operating efficiency, it is substantially important thata support system assume the occurrence of an artificial error, such as“a wrong portion was measured” or “without measuring the currentattribution information, the process is shifted to the next attributioninformation”. When the “previous page” button on the menu 422 isemployed, the preceding operating state can be easily recovered.

Even when there is a large amount of attribution information, therecovery operation that accompanies an artificial error can besimplified, so that psychologically the operator can easily perform themeasurement process, and the operating efficiency can be improved.

When it is ascertained at step S433 that no attribution information isavailable for the teaching of a next measurement, at step S436, thenon-active state is set wherein the “next page” button can not beselected on the menu 422 in FIG. 42. When the non-active state whereinthe “next page” button can not be selected is displayed on the displaydevice 204, the operator can easily ascertain that the measurementprocess has ended. Further, it is possible to prevent the overlappingmeasurement of the same attribution information.

During the measurement operation, the operator employs an automaticmeasurement apparatus or a manual measurement instrument, in addition toan inspection information processing apparatus explained in theembodiment. Since a plurality of apparatuses is employed, it ispreferable that the process end information obtained by the inspectioninformation processing apparatus be displayed so it can easily be seenby the operator.

During the measurement operation, the operator mainly manipulates the“next page” button on the menu 421 in FIG. 42. Therefore, when theprocess end information is displayed on the display device 204 and thedisplay state of the “next page” button is changed, the operator caneasily ascertain whether the operation has been completed or whetherthere is still attribution information to be processed.

At step S432 or S435, the attribution value of the target attributioninformation can be displayed at a predetermined location on the displaydevice 204. As previously described, since the operator employs aplurality of measurement instruments, so long as the informationnecessary for a measurement is displayed at a predetermined location,the operator can efficiently perform the measurement.

At step S432 or S435, a measured value can be input for the targetattribution information. The operator employs the process results inputfunction on the menu 421 in FIG. 42 to enter the process results, suchas measured values, and these results are stored on the internal storagemedium 201 or in the external storage device 202 as the attributionvalues for the attribution information in FIG. 6.

Referring again in FIG. 38, the processing will now be described that isperformed when the present invention is applied for mold inspection.

At step S386, the measurement results data is read from the externalstorage device 202.

The measurement results data in FIG. 41 are merely examples.

The operator can add the measurement results data as measured values tothe measurement data output at step S384.

Furthermore, a file output by another measurement support applicationcan be also be read as measurement results data.

When the measurement results data including the coordinate value, suchas a measurement point, is to be read, a coordinate system can bedesignated.

At step S387, the measurement results are displayed in correlation withthe 3D model.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example wherein the measurement resultsare displayed in correlation with the 3D model.

The measurement results can be displayed, while for individualattribution information, the colors of the faces and the ridge lines ofthe 3D model are changed in accordance with the difference between themeasured value and the design value.

Furthermore, by referring to the tolerance value of attributioninformation, the measurement results can be displayed, while the colorsof the faces and the ridge lines of the 3D model are changed at theratio of the difference to the tolerance value.

The embodiment has been explained for an operation wherein the presentinvention is applied for the mold inspection process using the 3D-CADapparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to the use ofthe 3D-CAD apparatus, and a 2D-CAD apparatus can also be employed. Andeven when the 2D-CAD apparatus is employed, the inspection process canbe efficiently performed.

In addition, as another example, the present invention is not limited toits use for the mold inspection process, and it can be applied for aprocess for inspecting a metal mold or a metal plate. Moreover, thepresent invention can be used to support the processing performed forthe evaluation of CAD attribution information items, such as dimensionsor dimensional tolerances.

As is described above, according to the present invention, anattribution information apparatus and a method therefor comprises:

-   -   identifier addition means for adding an identifier to        attribution information, such as a dimension, on a CAD model;    -   operation information output means for outputting information        required for an operation such as a measurement;    -   operation teaching means for teaching an operation such as a        measurement;    -   operation results reading means for reading operation results,        such as measurement results, in correlation with the identifier        and the attribution information; and    -   operation results display means for displaying the operation        results in correlation with the CAD model. Thus, the efficiency        of the manual inspection operation can be improved, and even        without a 2D drawing, an inspection can be performed, so that        the steps and costs required for information transmission for        design and manufacturing can be reduced.

In addition, the attribution information processing apparatus of theinvention further comprises:

-   -   operation planning means for grouping attribution information        for each operation plan. Thus, at least several hundreds of        attribution information sets can be easily processed, and the        inspection operation can be performed in parallel for individual        measurement plans. Therefore, the inspection period can be        reduced.

Furthermore, an attribution information processing apparatus accordingto the present invention comprises:

-   -   operation instruction information addition means for adding to        attribution information-operation instruction information, such        as measurement points; and    -   operation instruction information display means, provided for        the operation teaching means to display the operation        instruction information. Since the instruction for the portion        to be inspected is presented in correlation with the CAD model,        an operator can be accurately and efficiently apprised of an        operation instruction.

Further, the operation teaching means includes the attributioninformation correlation element display means that displays the elementsof the CAD model with the attribution information so that the elementsof the CAD model can be distinguished from the other elements.Therefore, even when the geometry is complicated or when the attributioninformation is intricate, the operator can easily apprehend whichportion is to be measured.

Furthermore, the operation teaching means includes:

-   -   group designation means for designating a group that is obtained        for each operation plan;    -   attribution information determination means for determining        whether in the group for an operation plan there is next        teaching attribution information;    -   next page display means for, when the attribution information        determination means determines that the next teaching        attribution information is present, instructing the display of        the next attribution information; and    -   next page non-active means for, when the attribution information        determination means determines that there is no next teaching        attribution information, inhibiting the instruction of the        display of the next attribution information. With this        arrangement, an operator can easily identify the end of the        measurement operation, so that the omission of a measurement can        be prevented and the backtracking of the measurement can be        avoided.

In addition, the operation teaching means includes the attributioninformation fixed position display means for displaying attributioninformation at a predetermined position. With this arrangement, theoperator can easily obtain the information required for the measurement,and can efficiently perform the measurement while simultaneouslymanipulating a plurality of apparatuses.

(Other Molding Inspection Processing)

Other molding inspection processing and the operation instructioninformation addition processing will now be described in detail.

In the operation planning process at step S382 in FIG. 38, theattribution information is categorized for each measurement plan.

A part to be measured has a 3D shape, and is measured in every directionor in an arbitrary direction, depending on the portion to be measured.When an automatic measurement instrument, such as a CMM, is employed, attool is used to fix a part to be measured to the table of theinstrument.

FIGS. 63A and 63B are schematic diagrams showing the measurement statewhen an automatic measurement instrument, such as a CMM, is used.

For a measurement performed in this example using the CMM, an availablemeasurement range 6304 is determined by the movable range of ameasurement terminal 6301, the shape of a part 6302 to be measured andthe shape of a tool 6303 used to fix the part 6302.

As is shown in FIG. 63B, the measurement range 6304 is defined in eachdirection. The attribution information that falls within the measurementrange 6304 can be measured in the pertinent direction, and thecategorization of available attribution information for each directionfor the automatic measurement instrument is called the measurementplanning.

Further, when means, such as a micrometer, a microscope or a gauge, isemployed to manually measure attribution information that can not bemeasured by the automatic measurement instrument, the process forcategorizing, for each measurement means, dimensions manually measuredby the micrometer is also called operation planning.

This process will now be described while referring to FIGS. 64 and 65.

At step S6501 in FIG. 65, a part or an attribution information group isdesignated as a target for the measurement planning. For this process, amenu 641 in FIG. 64, displayed on the display device 204, is employed tointeractively designate the part or the attribution information group.

When the part or the attribution information group for the measurementplanning is designated, the attribution information belonging to thisgroup is automatically displayed on the display device 204. When anattribution information group correlated with a view is designated, theattribution information is displayed in accordance with the view.

When no attribution information for which planning should be performedis present for the part or the attribution information group that isdesignated, the message, “no attribution information is present”, isdisplayed on the display device 204. Program control then returns tostep S6501 and another part or attribution information group isselected.

When at step S6501 a part or an attribution information group isdesignated as a target for a measurement plan, the process at step S6502is performed for the first attribution information in GroupList.

At step S6502, the operation menu status in FIG. 64 is changed inaccordance with the entry order in GroupList for the current attributioninformation.

When there is no preceding attribution information, as is shown in astate 6403 in FIG. 64, the “previous attribution” button is set in thenon-selectable state (inactive).

When there is no attribution information after the current one, as isshown in a state 6402 in FIG. 64, the “next attribution” button is setto inactive.

When in the GroupList there are preceding and succeeding attributioninformation entries for the current attribution information, both the“previous attribution” button and the “next attribution” button are setto the selectable state (active).

At step S6503, the target attribution information for which the planningis to be performed is displayed on the display device 204.

Since the target attribution information with the associated elements ofthe 3D model is highlighted, the information can be easily distinguishedfrom other attribution information.

FIG. 64 is a diagram showing an example 3D model 6404 for which themeasurement planning is currently being performed.

When the target attribution information is highlighted, at the sametime, the process for displaying the attribution information fixedposition is performed. For this process, important information, such asa design value, a tolerance and an identifier, which is included in thetarget attribution information, the rank of the currently targetattribution information in GroupList, and the total number ofattribution information sets in GroupList are displayed at fixedpositions on the display device 204.

The operator determines which method to use for measuring attributioninformation by referring to the highlighted attribution information andthe attribution information fixed position display.

After this determination, a group that matches the measurement method isinteractively selected by using the button, “designation of a group foran operation plan”, on the menu 6401 in FIG. 64.

Further, when, as a result of the determination, a measurement point isrequired for the attribution information for which the planning is to beperformed, the process at step S383 is called by selecting the “inputmeasuring point” button on the menu 6401 in FIG. 64.

When the operator selects a group for an operation plan, and thenselects the “next attribution” button by using the input device 205,such as a mouse, the next attribution information for an operation plancan be designated.

When the “next attribution” button is selected by the operator, theattribution information ranked higher rank in GroupList than the currentattribution information is regarded as attribution information for anoperation plan.

During the measurement plan, the operator mainly manipulates the “nextattribution” button. When it is ascertained at step S6502 that the nextattribution information for an operation plan is present, the “nextattribution” button on the menu 6401 in FIG. 64 is always in the activestate. Therefore, the operator can easily identify the presence ofattribution information for which the planning should be performed, andcan be prevented from forgetting the measurement planning.

When the operator selects the “next attribution” button and designatesfor the operation plan the next attribution information, at the sametime, the process for completing the operation planning for the currentattribution information is performed.

The group name designated at step S6501 is entered in “planning groupname”, which is one of the attribution values for the attributioninformation shown in FIG. 6, and is stored on the internal storagemedium 201 or in the external storage device 202.

The attribution information is entered in GroupList at a locationcorresponding the planning group name, and is stored on the internalstorage medium 201 or in the external storage device 202.

The display color for the present target attribution information ischanged to a “processed” color indicating that the information has beenprocessed.

Since the display color for the attribution information is changed tothe “processed” color, the operator can easily identify the attributioninformation for which the planning has been completed.

Further, since the rank of the current target attribution information inGroupList and the total number of attribution information sets inGroupList are presented while the attribution information fixedpositions are displayed, the operator can readily identify the currentstate of the planning operation.

When the planning group name is already set in the attribution value“planning group name” in the planning completed processing, it indicatesthat the operation planning has been completed for the targetattribution information.

In this case, the processed information handling process is performed.The pertinent attribution information that corresponds to the planninggroup name that has already been stored is deleted from GroupList, andthe attribution value “planning group name” is deleted. The planningcompleted process is performed after the processed information handlingprocess.

Since the processed information handling process is performed, one setof attribution information can belong to one planning group.

Through this processing, one method for measuring the attributioninformation is established, and a measurement for which a plurality ofmethods is erroneously used can be prevented.

When the “previous attribution” button is selected by the operator, theattribution information ranked higher in GroupList than the currentattribution information is regarded as target attribution informationfor the operation planning.

In this case, the planning completed process is not performed.

To improve operating efficiency, it is substantially important that asupport system assumes the occurrence of an artificial error, such as “awrong planning group has been designated” or “a measurement point to bedesignated has been missed”. In this case, the preceding operating statecan be easily recovered by selecting the “previous attribution” buttonon the menu 6402.

Since the recovery process accompanied by an artificial error issimplified even when there is a large amount of attribution information,psychologically, the operator can readily conduct the measurement, andthe operating efficiency can be improved.

When there is no more succeeding attribution information for theoperation planning in the current target attribution information group,the “next attribution” button is set inactive.

In this case, when another attribution information group is designatedto continue the measurement planning process, the “continue” button onthe menu 6401 in FIG. 64 is designated.

Further, when the measurement planning is to be ended or interrupted forthe current attribution information group, the “end” button on the menu6401 in FIG. 64 is designated.

When at step S6503 the “previous attribution” button and the “nextattribution” button are designated, it is ascertained at step S6504 thatthe measurement planning for the currently selected attributioninformation group has been continued, and program control returns tostep S6502.

When the “continue” button is designated at step S6503, it isascertained that the measurement planning for the currently selectedattribution information group is to be terminated, and that themeasurement planning is to be continued by selecting another attributioninformation group. Thus, program control is shifted to step S6505.

When the “end” button is selected at step S6503, it is ascertained thatthe measurement planning process is to be terminated, and programcontrol is shifted to step S6506.

At step S6505, the planning completed process is performed for thecurrent target attribution information, and thereafter, the part and theattribution information group that are currently designated arereleased, and a new part and a new attribution information group can bedesignated. Program control is shifted to step S6501.

At step S6506, the planning completed process for the current targetattribution information is performed. Thereafter, the part and theattribution information that are currently designated are released, andprogram control exits the processing using the menu 6401 in FIG. 64.

Since a degree of freedom is provided for the measurement planningoperation, the operation can be interrupted even when planning has notbeen performed for the attribution information of all the attributioninformation groups. Since this may result in the omission of measurementplanning for the attribution information, the measurement planning meansincludes: means for providing, for a group for which the planning hadnot yet been performed, attribution information that does not belong toany of the groups for the operation plan; and means for displaying onlya group for which the operation planning has not yet been performed.

FIG. 66 is a diagram showing an example display for attributioninformation for which the measurement planning has not yet beenperformed.

By using the means for displaying only a group for which the measurementplanning has not yet been performed, the operator can easily identifyattribution information that has been missed for the measurementplanning. Further, by using the means for providing, for a group forwhich the planning has not yet been performed, the attributioninformation that does not belong to a group for the operation plan, theoperator can perform re-planning for only the attribution informationthat has been missed for planning. With these means, the forgetting ofplanning can be prevented.

At step S383 a measurement point is selected for the attributioninformation.

As the measurement point, a point that the operator uses as ameasurement index can be designated in advance on the CAD model relativeto attribution information, such as a dimension. And a measurement pathprogram for an automatic measurement instrument, such as a CMM, can beprepared by referring to the information for the measurement point.

The input device 205, such as a mouse, is used to designate themeasurement point on the 3D model displayed on the display device 204.

However, since the position accuracy for the input of the measurementpoint can not be performed satisfactorily when using the input device205, such as a mouse, the input device 205 is not appropriate for thedesignation of an important portion for which accurate positioning isrequired.

Further, when the geometry of the part must be changed based on themeasurement results, an accurate coordinate position may be required forthe instruction of the portion to be changed. In this case also thedesignation of the measurement point using the mouse is inappropriate.

Therefore, in this invention, coordinates can also be employed todesignate a measurement point.

FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example wherein the designation of ameasurement point is performed using coordinates. The designation of ameasurement point using coordinates is performed as follows.

A reference point and reference directions X and Y are designated on theelement face of the 3D model that is correlated with the attributioninformation to which the measurement points are added. An offset valueX1 in the direction X from the reference point and an offset value Y1 inthe direction Y are designated, and an interval value X2 in the Xdirection from the measurement point and an interval value Y2 in the Ydirection are designated. Then, the number of measurement pointsallocated in the X direction and the number of measurement points in theY direction are designated.

These designations are interactively performed by using a menu 6701 inFIG. 67 that is displayed on the display device 204. Through thisprocessing, one or more accurately positioned measurement points can beadded.

When accurate positioning of the measurement points is not required, orwhen multiple (several tens to several hundreds) measurement points mustbe positioned, only a small number of steps need be performed by usingthe means of the invention to designate the measurement points.

The measurement points that are designated are stored on the internalstorage medium 201 or in the external storage device 202 as theattribution values for the attribution information.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example wherein the measurement pointsare displayed in correlation with the attribution information and the 3Dmodel displayed on the display device 204.

Measurement points 401 and point IDs 402 are examples displayed on thedisplay device 204, while identifiers unique to individual attributioninformation are added as point IDs to the measurement points 401. As isshown in FIG. 40, the point IDs 402 are displayed near the measurementpoints 401 displayed on the display device 204.

Since the processing following step S384 in FIG. 38 has been describedabove, no further explanation for this processing will be given.

(Identifier)

A detailed explanation will now be given for the process at step S151for adding an identifier to attribution information that has been addedto the 3D model.

In this invention, an identifier can be added to the attributioninformation correlated with the geometry model, and can be stored on theinternal storage medium 201.

Further, in the invention, the added identifiers can be stored on theinternal storage medium 201 as an identifier list on which all thehistories are correlated with the geometry model.

Furthermore, in this invention, in accordance with an instruction fromthe operator, the added identifiers and identifier list can be storedtogether with the attribution information in the external storage device202 (step S307).

When the attribution information to which the identifier is added isdeleted, the identifier is also deleted from the internal storage medium201; however, the history on the identifier list is maintained.

As a result, the identifier used in the past can be prevented from beingused repetitively, and the confusion in the post-process caused byrepetitively using the identifier can be avoided.

FIG. 45 is a conceptual diagram showing a method for storing anidentifier and an identifier list in a storage medium according to thepresent invention.

In the invention, the identifier addition function is implemented by amethod for automatically adding an identifier at the same time as theattribution information is added; a method for collectively adding anidentifier for each geometry model or for each attribution group; and amethod for adding an identifier to each set of attribution information.

The identifier display function of the invention can display, near thearea for the attribution information, the identifier that is added inthe identifier addition process. At this time, the display color, thedisplay form and the display size of an identifier can be designated.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing the attribution addition processing atstep S303 for automatically adding an identifier. When the attributionaddition process S303 is performed, at the same time, the followingprocess is also performed.

At step S4601, the internal storage medium 201 is examined to find theidentifier list correlated with the geometry model to which theattribution is to be added, and the smallest unused identifier number isselected.

At step S4602, the selected identifier number is added to the identifierlist, and is stored on the internal storage medium 201.

At step S4603, the identifier is added to the attribution informationand is stored on the internal storage medium 201.

When the operator uses the input device 205 to select from the menu inFIG. 47 the automatic identifier addition entry 4701, it is possible tochange the setting or non-setting of the method for automatically addingan identifier at the time the attribution information is added.

FIGS. 48 and 49 are flowcharts showing the processing for adding anidentifier for each geometry model or each attribution group.

FIG. 50 is a diagram showing an operating menu for the method for addingan identifier for each geometry model or each attribution group, andeach process on the menu is performed when an operator interactivelyissues an instruction using the input device 205.

At step S4801, a geometry model to which the identifier is to be addedcan be selected.

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing the process performed at step S4801 toselect a geometry model.

While confirming the geometry displayed on the display device 204, anoperator can select an arbitrary geometry model by manipulating theinput device 205. An instruction pointer 5103 is provided for the inputdevice 205.

To select a geometry model using the input device 205, either a geometrymodel 5101 displayed on the display device 2045 is designated using theinstruction pointer 5103, or a specific geometry model is selected froma geometry model list 5102 also displayed on the display device 204, orthe name of a geometry model can be entered directly.

After the geometry model has been selected, at step S4802 an attributiongroup to which the identifier is to be added is selected from amongattribution groups correlated with the selected geometry model.

It should be noted that the process at step S4802 is initiated by usingan operation menu 5002, which facilitates the selection of theattribution group.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an attribution group selection methodaccording to the invention.

While confirming an attribution group list 5201 displayed on the displaydevice 204, an operator can select an arbitrary attribution group byusing a pointer 5202 provided for the input device 205.

Further, when the “select all groups” switch 5003 on the program menu inFIG. 50 is selected, “all the groups” can be selected instead of aspecific dimension group.

The process at step S4803 is activated by using an operation menu 5004,and the designation of a start number for an identifier.

When at step S4801 a target geometry model is designated for processing,the unused, minimum identifier is selected from the identifier listcorrelated with this target geometry model, and is designated as theinitial setup for step S4803. The start number of the identifier can bedesignated by using the input device 205 to enter a numerical value.

Upon receiving an instruction selected by an operator from the operationmenu 5004, the identifier addition process S4804 is initiated.

First, at step S4805, a check is performed to determine whether ageometry model has been designated to which the identifier should beadded.

When a target geometry model has not been designated, program control isreturned to step S4801.

When, however, a target geometry model has been designated at stepS4805, the process at step S4806 is initiated to determine whether atarget attribution information group has been designated to which anidentifier is to be added. When the target attribution information hasnot been designated, program control is shifted to step S4802.

The process at step S4901 is initiated, however, if a target attributiongroup has been designated at step S4806.

At step S4901, in the order whereat the data is input, one attributioninformation set is selected from among those included in the selectedattribution information group for the selected geometry model.

At step S4902, a check is performed to determine whether an identifierhas been added to the selected attribution information. When anidentifier has been added to the selected attribution information,program control returns to step S4901 and the next attributioninformation is selected. When an identifier has not been added to theselected attribution information, program control is shifted to stepS4903.

At step S4903, an unused identifier located following the start numberof the identifier designated at step S4803 is selected from theidentifier list.

At step S4904, the identifier is added to the selected attributioninformation and is stored on the internal storage medium 201.

At step S4905, the identifier is added to the identifier list, and isstored on the internal storage medium 201.

At step S4906, a check is performed to determine whether the identifierhas been added to all the attribution information in the selectedattribution group for the selected geometry model. When it is determinedthat not all attribution information has been processed, program controlreturns to step S4901 and the above processing is repeated. Whereas whenit is determined the identifier has been added to all the attributioninformation, the processing is terminated.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing the processing performed to add anidentifier for each set of attribution information.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing the operation menu used for the processingfor adding an identifier for each set of attribution information. Theindividual processes are performed when an operator interactively issuesan instruction using the input device 205.

At step S5301, target attribution information to which an identifier hasbeen added can be selected. During this process, specific attributioninformation displayed on the display device 204 is selected using theinput device 205.

At step S5302, the identifier number to be added for the selectedattribution information is designated.

The identifier addition process S5303 is initiated when the operatoruses the input device 205 to select an “accept” button 5403.

First, at step S5304, the presence on the identifier list for theinternal storage medium 01 of the identifier number designated at stepS5302 is confirmed. When the identifier numbers overlap, program controlreturns to step S5302. But when the identifier numbers do not overlap,program control advances to step S5305.

At step S5305, the selected identifier is added to the identifier list.

At step S5306, the selected identifier is added to the selectedattribution information and the processing is thereafter terminated.

FIGS. 55 and 56 are diagrams showing example states in which theidentifier added to the attribution information is displayed.

An identifier 5601 is added to and located in a neighboring areaadjacent to attribution information 5602. Thus, the identifier for eachattribution information set can be easily distinguished.

The neighboring area, adjacent to the attribution information 5602, inwhich the identifier 5601 is located is one that does not overlapattribution information 5603 and that maintains a predetermined distancetherefrom.

The identifier 5601 can be located within the neighboring area inaccordance with an operator's instruction.

The identifier 5601 can be displayed using a frame or a parenthesis.

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing example enclosures used for identifiers.

Since the identifier number can be easily distinguished from anotherattribution or identifier, it can more easily be identified.

FIG. 58 is a flowchart showing the processing performed for setting anidentifier for each geometry model or each attribution group.

FIG. 59 is a diagram showing a program menu for setting an identifierfor each geometry model or each attribution group.

Through this processing, the display/non-display of an identifier can becollectively changed for each geometry model or each attribution group.

When the display of an identifier for attribution information is notrequired, no identifier is displayed, so that the attributioninformation on the display device 204 can be easily seen.

(Reflection of Design Change)

FIG. 60 is a flowchart for explaining the processing performed at thedownstream department when a design is changed.

At step S6001 in FIG. 60, a CAD model 6010 is released from the designdepartment to the downstream department.

At step S6002, an additional information model 6020 is created by addingadditional information, such as a measurement point 6021, to the CADmodel 6010.

The measurement points shown in FIG. 60 are added to the CAD model 6010as additional information for a dimension 6022.

At step S6003, a design change model 6030 is newly released by thedesign department.

At step S6004, the design change model 6030 is compared with theadditional information model 6002. Thereafter, the additionalinformation is reflected in the design change model 6030, producing adesign change and generating the additional information model 6040.

FIG. 61 is a detailed flowchart for explaining the process at stepS6004.

At step S1601 in FIG. 61, the identifier for the attribution informationof the design change model 6030 is referred to.

At step S6102, the attribution information sets of the additionalinformation model 6020 are examined to find attribution informationhaving the same identifier.

When attribution information having the same identifier is found at stepS6102, at step S6103 the attribution values, other than the identifierof the pertinent attribution information, are compared.

The process at step S6103 will now be described by using the dimensionaltolerance information as example attribution information.

The dimensional tolerance information, as shown in FIG. 6, includes anidentifier, a nominal value, a tolerance value, and a pointer todimensional reference elements, such as Face, Edge and Vertex.

Dimensional tolerance information sets having the same identifier arecompared to determine whether they have the same values for the nominalvalue, the tolerance value, the dimension text and the referenceelement.

As an example, for the dimensions 6022 and 6031 in FIG. 60, the nominalvalue of 25, the tolerance value of 0.1 and the reference element of thedimension are the same, i.e., all the attribution values allocated forthe dimension match.

When at step S6103 all the attribution values match, at step S6104additional information, such as a measurement point, which is added toattribution information that is unchanged, is transferred to theattribution information of the design change model 6030.

At step S6004 in FIG. 60, the measurement point 6021 for the dimension6022 of the additional attribution model 6020 is transferred to thedimension 6031 for the design change model 6030.

When for attribution information having reference elements, such as adimensional tolerance, all the attribution values match, otherattribution information, accompanied by the reference element for theattribution information, may also be transferred.

Therefore, whether a design has been changed can be determined inaccordance with a dimensional tolerance attribution. As for otherattribution information, attribution information such as a process or astep that is added to an unchanged element can be efficientlytransferred to the design change model.

At step S6105, a check is performed to determine whether dataconstituting the next attribution information to be compared is presentfor the design change model 6030.

When it is ascertained at step S6105 that all the attributioninformation for the design change model 6030 has been processed, theprocessing is terminated.

When at step S6102 it is determined that no duplicate identifiers areprovided for attribution information, or when at step S6103 there is anattribution value that does not match, at step S6106 the attributioninformation is regarded as being one obtained by design change and isstored on the internal storage medium 201 or in the external storagedevice 202.

In the above processing, a search performed for attribution informationwhile focusing on an identifier has been explained. However, thisprocessing can also be performed for attribution information having noidentifier.

In this case, steps S6101 and S6102 are not required, and at step S6103,a search is performed for attribution information for an additionalinformation model for which all the attribution values match those ofthe attribution information included in a target design change model.

Further, the attribution information for which all the attributionvalues match is excluded for the succeeding search, so as to improve theefficiency of the search.

At step S6103, for a comparison of attribution values, those attributionvalues that are not to be compared can be designated. Assume that adimensional tolerance attribution is employed as an example. Even whenthe size of characters on a dimensional label or the position whereat adimensional label is allocated for the additional attribution model doesnot match that of the design change model, so long as the otherattribution values match it is ascertained that the attributioninformation is unchanged, and that the additional information or theattribution information of an element that is referred to by thedimensional tolerance attribution should be transferred.

In this case, since the size of the dimensional label or the size of thecharacter on the label are not compared, the efficiency of theconversion can be improved.

FIG. 62 is a diagram showing an example wherein the changed attributioninformation is correlated with the CAD model.

A plane 6201 in FIG. 62 is referred to by a dimension 6202, the changedattribution information.

A plane 6203 in FIG. 62 is referred to by the dimension 6202 that isnewly added for the additional information model 6020.

Since the element referred to by the changed dimension is highlightedand can thus be distinguished from another element, the portion forwhich the design has been changed can be easily identified.

In the above explanation, the present invention has been applied for themold inspection processing using a 3D-CAD apparatus. However, thepresent invention is not limited to the use of a 3D-CAD apparatus, and a2D-CAD apparatus can also be employed. When a 2D-CAD apparatus isemployed, the correction operation, accompanied by the design change,can be efficiently performed.

In addition to a CAD apparatus, the present invention can be also usedfor an information processing apparatus for handing attributioninformation.

For example, additional information that has been added to a text orimage data document prepared by a document creation apparatus can betransferred to a changed document.

Specifically, when during the post-process display attributioninformation, such as a color, is added to the image data of a document,or when the image data is not changed in a changed document, the displayinformation, such as a color, can be transferred to the image data ofthe document that has been changed.

Thus, a correction operation constituting a post process accompanied bya document change can be efficiently performed.

As is described above, according to the present invention, anattribution information processing apparatus and a method thereforcomprise:

-   -   attribution information comparison means for comparing        attribution information for two sets of CAD data, i.e., old data        and new data; and    -   additional information transfer means for, when attribution        information is not changed, transferring to new data additional        information that is added to the attribution information for the        old data,    -   wherein the attribution information comparison means includes        -   dimensional information comparison means for comparing            dimensional information for each dimension of the two sets            of CAD data, and    -   wherein the additional information transfer means includes        -   additional dimension information transfer means for            transferring additional dimension information that is added            to the dimension information for the CAD model,        -   additional element information transfer means for            transferring additional element information that is added to            the elements of the CAD model that are referred to by the            dimension information for the CAD model, and        -   measurement point transfer means for transferring a            measurement point. Even when the original data is changed,            e.g., when the design is changed, information that is added            later can be efficiently and accurately reflected in the            changed data.

Especially during product development, a design is frequently changedwhile parallel processing is performed, and the attribution data that isadded downstream can be reflected in the design change model without theattribution data having to be re-entered. As a result, concurrentdevelopment production can be smoothly performed.

Further, the attribution information processing apparatus comprises:

-   -   attribution information comparison means for comparing        attribution information for two sets of CAD data, i.e., old data        and new data, including dimension information comparison means        for comparing dimension information for the two CAD data;    -   change attribution information storage means for, when        attribution information comparison means determines that the        attribution information has been changed, storing the changed        attribution information;    -   changed attribution information teaching means for displaying        the changed attribution information in correlation with the        data;    -   changed dimension teaching means for so displaying a changed        dimension on the CAD model that the changed dimension can be        easily seen; and    -   changed element teaching means for displaying, e.g.,        highlighting, the elements (Face, Edge and Vertex) of the CAD        model that is referred to by a dimension, so that the elements        can be distinguished from other elements. Therefore, the portion        of a model that has been changed can be easily discerned        visually.

Since the changed portion can be detected, the number of steps that mustbe performed when a changed portion is missed, and the number of stepsrequired for confirming the changed portion can be reduced.

Another Embodiment

The scope of the present invention also includes a configurationwherein, to achieve the functions of the embodiment, software programcode that implements the functions of the embodiment is supplied to anapparatus or a system computer that is connected to various devices, andthe devices are operated in accordance with a program stored in thecomputer (a CPU or an MPU) of the system or the apparatus.

In this case, invention functions are provided by the software programcode, and the program code also constitutes the present invention. Thestorage medium for supplying the program code can be a communicationmedium for a computer network (LAN or the Internet) system that acts asa carrier for the transmission of program information.

Further, means for supplying the program code to a computer, e.g., astorage medium on which the program code is stored (a floppy disk, aCD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, a hard disk,an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc.), constitutes the presentinvention.

In addition, with the present invention it is not only possible for thefunctions of the previous embodiment to be provided through theexecution of program code by a computer, but also, the program code caninteract with an OS (Operating System) or with another softwareapplication running on the computer to provide the functions describedin the above embodiment.

As many apparently widely different embodiments for the presentinvention can be devised without departing from the spirit and scopethereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments presented herein except as defined in the appendedclaims.

1-40. (canceled)
 41. An information processing apparatus comprising:attribution information comparison means for comparing old attributioninformation of a model with new attribution information of the model;specifying means for specifying changed attribution information on thebasis of a result of the comparison by the attribution informationcomparison means; and changed attribution information display means fordisplaying the changed attribution information in a different state fromnot changed attribution information, with the model in a virtual space.42. An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the changed attributioninformation display means displays an element of the model correspondingto changed attribution information so that the element can bedistinguished from other elements.
 43. An apparatus according to claim41, wherein the model is a 3D model.
 44. An apparatus according to claim41, wherein the virtual space is a 3D virtual space.
 45. An apparatusaccording to claim 41, wherein the attribution information includesdimensions.
 46. An information processing method comprising: anattribution information comparison step of comparing old attributioninformation of a model with new attribution information of the model; aspecifying step of specifying changed attribution information on thebasis of a result of the comparison at the attribution informationcomparison step; and a changed attribution information display step ofdisplaying the changed attribution information in a different state fromnot changed attribution information, with the model in a virtual space.47. A method according to claim 46, wherein an element of the modelcorresponding to changed attribution information is distinguishablydisplayed other elements.
 48. A method according to claim 46, whereinthe model is a 3D model.
 49. A method according to claim 46, wherein thevirtual space is a 3D virtual space.
 50. A method according to claim 46,wherein the attribution information includes dimension.